Expression without Words




Objective(s) & Context

  1. Explore communication without words and to practise interpreting non-verbal cues of others.

  2. Practise using non-verbal cues for positive and warm communication with others.

 

Duration

1 hour

 

Group Size

10–30

 

Age Group

12 +

 

Skills

Non-verbal communication skills, social and co-operative skills, information skills, and problem-solving skills

 

Format(s) & Technique(s)

Pair work and co-operative learning

 

Materials

Flip chart paper

Markers, pens, or pencils

One copy of Expression Without Words: Non-Verbal Communication: Reference Sheet per participant

 

Facilitation Tips

  • This activity may include some touching of other participants. Let participants know that they have the right to not want to be touched in any way. If any participants choose to not be touched, please remove “touching” from one of the ways of non-verbal communication.

 

Popular Education Prompts

  • You may want to take note of the themes that arise in the conversation in order to follow-up with another workshop that responds more directly to the needs that emerge. These themes are important in facilitating the next steps in healthy relationships and helping the group decide how they want to take action.

  • You may need to bring in additional information to respond to themes or questions raised in the group

 

Leading the Activity: Steps to Take

Preparation:

Photocopies of the Expression Without Words: Non-Verbal Communication: Reference Sheet for each participant

 

Workshop:

  1. Divide participants into pairs.

  2. Provide each participant with a hand out of the Expression Without Words: Non-Verbal Communication: Reference Sheet.

  3. Ask each pair to select a Listener and a Speaker. They will have an opportunity to switch roles and repeat the exercise.

  4. Explain to participants that you will call out an emotion. The Giver will communicate this emotion to the Receiver non-verbally.

 

Choose from the following list of emotions/feelings to call out one at a time:

 

  • Love

  • Fear

  • Joy

  • Sexy

  • Happy

  • Daring

  • Proud

  • Anger

  • Peaceful

  • Sad

  • Nurturing

  • Outrageous

 

  1. Explain to participants that non-verbal communication cues are:

 

  • Tone of voice (sounds)

  • Facial expression

  • Posture

  • Eye contact

  • Gestures

  • Spatial distance

  • Touching*

  • Body movement

 

*If any participants choose to not be touched, please remove “touching” from one of the ways of non-verbal communication.

 

  1. Tell the Receivers to write down their description of the Giver’s non-verbal communication cues on the Expression Without Words: Non-Verbal Communication: Reference Sheet.

  2. Ask participants to switch roles and repeat the exercise.

  3. Once participants have completed the task, lead a discussion using the suggested questions below:

  • What were the similarities between you and your partner’s non-verbal communication cues?

  • What about your partner’s non-verbal communication cues surprised or confused you?

 

Debrief

Questions to ask the group:

  • How did this activity make you feel?

  • What important things did you learn?

 

Source: Adapted from DW Johnson and Johnson, Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization, 9th edition, 2005.